Oriental Orthodox hierarchs meet in NJ

Paramus, NJ (SCOOCH) – His Eminence Mor Dionysios Jean Kawak – Patriarchal Exarch of the Syriac Orthodox Archdiocese of the Eastern United States – hosted the fall meeting of the Standing Conference of Oriental Orthodox Churches at the Mor Aphrem Center on Thursday, November 2, 2017. In attendance were H.G. Bishop David of the Coptic Orthodox Diocese of NY & NE, H.E. Mor Titus Yeldho of the Malankara Archdiocese of the Syrian Orthodox Church in North America, and a number of priests and deacons representing each of the respective Oriental Orthodox jurisdictions.

The assembled clergy discussed several important initiatives at the conference, including fellowship and unity at the parish level, concelebrations of the Divine Liturgy, youth events, campus ministry, dialogue with other Christian jurisdictions, and the upcoming UN Prayer Service convened jointly with the Eastern Orthodox Church. The fathers were also updated on the current situation in the Eritrean Orthodox Tewahdo Church by Fr. Athanasius Ghebre-Ab, at which time they reaffirmed their support for His Holiness Abune Antonios I – the lawful Patriarch of Eritrea – whom they pray will soon be returned to his Throne in peace.